The Clippers aren't strangers to facing double-digit deficits and finding ways to come back. They are, however, not used to having Eric Bledsoe provide the spark.
Bledsoe's been limited to just four games this season while rehabbing from knee surgery last October. But with the Clippers down 15 in the third quarter, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro turned to the second-year guard, hoping he could give the team a lift.
Bledsoe helped lead the team on a 17-0 run by defending on the perimeter and grabbing three rebounds.
"I knew I was going to get opportunities, especially with Chauncey (Billups) being out and (Chris Paul) playing all those minutes," Bledsoe said. "I figured I'd get an opportunity and tried to make the best of it once I got in."
Bledsoe showed off his athleticism on the rebounds, including one where he skied over the opposition. After the play, Bledsoe reached for his knee -- only to pull the brace back into place.
"I didn't even think about (my knee)," Bledsoe said. "I was just focused on getting that rebound and keeping the momentum going our way.
"It's just how I play. I come up with loose balls, the hustle plays. I make more hustle plays than most people."
The Clippers will look to return to their winning ways when they visit the Warriors on Monday.
NOTES, QUOTES
--Needing stops down the stretch Saturday afternoon against the San Antonio Spurs, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro didn't turn to one of the league's best shot blockers, DeAndre Jordan. Instead, Del Negro went to Kenyon Martin.
Playing in his sixth game with the team, Martin got caught on a number of switches, ending up guarding Tony Parker one-on-one on the perimeter.
Martin handled the assignment as well as possible, despite Parker's 12 fourth-quarter points.
"It's what I do," Martin said. "This is my 12th year, and I've guarded everybody in this league. You name him, I've guarded him. I don't shy away from the challenge; I encourage it.
"It's just who I am."
--Guard Chris Paul committed a costly turnover near the end of regulation, throwing the ball directly to San Antonio's Gary Neal, who forced overtime by hitting a three.
"It's probably the worst play I've made," Paul said.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I take this loss. It's all on me. I should have made a better decision with the ball." -- Clippers guard Chris Paul on the turnover that led to San Antonio tying the game before the end of regulation. The Clippers went on to lose 103-100 to the Spurs Saturday at Staples Center.
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--F Blake Griffin finished with 22 points and 20 rebounds. It's Griffin's 20th double-double of the season and the first 20-20 game of his career.
--G Chris Paul scored 17 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. In the first three quarters of the last two games, Paul has scored just two points combined.
--G Randy Foye kept the Clippers in the game in the third quarter. Foye scored 16 points in the quarter and finished with 21, a season high.
--C DeAndre Jordan was unable to block a shot Saturday. It's just the fifth time this season Jordan's been held without a block.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G Chauncey Billups (left Achilles tendon) underwent surgery Wednesday to repair his Achilles tendon. Billups is out for the remainder of the season.
ROTATION:
Starters:
--Point guard Chris Paul
--Shooting guard Randy Foye
--Small forward Caron Butler
--Power forward Blake Griffin
--Center DeAndre Jordan
Bench:
--Forward Kenyon Martin
--Guard Mo Williams
--Forward Reggie Evans
--Forward Ryan Gomes
